Succeed in Love

Most of all, Succeed in Love

By Mike McLoughlin,
Youth With A Mission, Marketplace Mission

(Chapter One from Planning A Successful Small Business Seminar)

Success - What is it?

The word "success" is often used in the title of books and articles promoting information for business people. A British company publishes over thirty study books for academic courses all of which have titles beginning with the word success. (e.g. Success in Commerce).¹ I recently purchased a book entitled: The Entrepreneurs Road Map to Business Success.² Of the 4,109 Books listed in the Business Section of the Library of Congress, 1,152 are listed under the subsection: Success in Business. Much of the information contained in these books is useful for business people but most of it is not essential to their success. The word is used in the title to attract attention to the book. All business people want to succeed in their business and so they will purchase a book that promises them success in its title. Now this presentation, while dealing with helpful information for the material success of small businesses, looks towards a fuller definition of success for the businessperson.

In Canada there is a bumper sticker on cars that reads: "The one who has the most toys in the end wins!" That statement sums up the world's definition of success. Someone who is successful in the world's eyes is someone who in the end wins, who in the end is materially wealthy, who in the end has much to show for his or her life: a big house, a distinguished career, a reputation, awards, published memoirs, a street named after him or her, a place in the history books. The world would say that such a person has enjoyed success in his or her life.

Yet many ‘successful’ people die unhappy and unfulfilled, even to the point of taking their own lives. Elvis Presley was a man revered the world wide as the King of Rock and Roll. By the world’s standard he was very successful. But he ended his life with suicide. Why? There must be more to success than the world’s material measure. The purpose of this first chapter is to discover the nature of true success, success that satisfies, success that fulfils, success that endures forever.

The True Measure of Success

What is the true measure of success? How do we attain that measure, be successful in our life and specifically in our business activity? In answering these questions we must consider from what perspective we see our lives. The world's perspective is that our life is finite and that for us to be successful in life we must get as much out of life for ourselves as we can before we die. Eat, drink and be merry for tomorrow we die! (Isaiah 22:13b) The world would say that the true measure of success is happiness and prosperity in one's life and an enduring legacy upon one's death.

Man, however, being made in the image of God, is an eternal soul. (Genesis 1:27). This life is not all there is to our existence. The Bible says: And as it is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgement: (Hebrews 9:27 KJV) The Bible teaches us that there is existence after death and that the form of that existence depends upon what happens to us at the judgement. There is a heaven and there is a hell and any definition of success that ignores these realities is hopelessly flawed. Thus it is vitally important that we establish a measure or standard for success that accounts for these realities. Jesus said, For what is a man profited, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul? or what shall a man give in exchange for his soul? (Matthew 16:26 KJV)

A Biblical Definition of Success

Since it is the Bible that reveals the nature of our existence and our immortality it must have something to say about the nature of success. In the Old Testament there are two Hebrew words that are translated to mean success in the modern English versions of the Bible. The first word is "TSALACH" which has three principal meanings. It means firstly "to prosper", secondly "to succeed" and thirdly, "to come upon in power". It is used in reference to Solomon's reign: So Solomon sat on the throne of the LORD as king in place of his father David. He prospered (TSALACH) and all Israel obeyed him. (1 Chronicles. 29:23). In terms of wealth, Solomon was very successful. Also, TSALACH is used for success in the accomplishment of tasks and undertakings. It was Hezekiah who blocked the upper outlet of the Gihon spring and channelled the water down to the west side of the City of David. He succeeded (TSALACH) in everything he undertook. (2 Chronicles 32:30). Finally, TSALACH is used in describing what happens under the anointing of the Holy Spirit: So Samuel took the horn of oil and anointed him in the presence of his brothers, and from that day on the Spirit of the LORD came upon David in power (TSALACH). Samuel then went to Ramah. (1 Samuel 16:13). TSALACH is similar to the world’s definition of success. It indicates the achievement of material wealth, prosperity and accomplishment in life and career activity.

It is interesting to note that the King James Version of the Bible has only one reference to the English word success and that is found in Joshua 1:8: This book of the law shall not depart out of thy mouth but thou shalt meditate therein day and night, that thou mayest observe to do according to all that is written therein: for then thou shalt make thy way prosperous (which is the word TSALACH), and then thou shalt have good success (which is the word SAKAL). This word SAKAL is a second Hebrew word that is also translated success. In most occurrences, the King James usually translates TSALACH or SAKAL as "to prosper", but in this verse both words are used by the writer. The King James translates SAKAL as "success" to distinguish it from TSALACH, "prosperous". It is in this distinction that one finds a fuller meaning of the Hebrew concept of success. SAKAL points to a meaning for success that has less to do with the end result, prosperity, and more to do with the process of achieving that result: wise decision making. The Wordbook of the Old Testament in its definition of SAKAL states: "There is the process of thinking through a complex arrangement of thoughts resulting in a wise dealing and use of good practical common sense."³ The end result of this "thinking through" process is success and thus the New International Version translates SAKAL as success more often. This is the use of the word for David's service to King Saul. Whatever Saul sent him to do, David did it so successfully(SAKAL) that Saul gave him a high rank in the army. This pleased all the people, and Saul's officers as well. (1 Samuel 18:5 ). So David by his forethought, wise choices and trusting obedience to God was successful in everything he did.

Having this distinction in mind one understands why SAKAL is also translated to mean wisdom (Genesis 3:6); being wise (Psalm 2:10); good understanding (2 Chronicles 30:22); aptitude (Daniel 1:4); insight (Daniel 9:22); instructed (Proverbs 16:20); prudent (Proverbs 19:14); has regard for (Psalm 41:1); ponder (Psalm 64:9); take heed (Psalm 94:8); take note of (Proverbs 21:12) and give attention to (Daniel 9:13).

In summary, there are two words in the Hebrew Bible that are translated to mean success: TSALACH and SAKAL. TSALACH has to do with the end result which is achievement or prosperity. SAKAL also has to do with the end result but implies that the end result has been achieved by carefully thinking through the situation and dealing wisely so as to achieve that result. TSALACH is like a lake of prosperity and SAKAL is the stream of wise choices that feeds that lake.

The Bible also has something to say concerning how success is achieved. God gives success to us. The warden paid no attention to anything under Joseph's care, because the LORD was with Joseph and gave him success in whatever he did. (Genesis 39:23). It is not something that we can achieve without God. The shepherds are senseless and do not inquire of the LORD so they do not prosper(succeed) and all their flock is scattered. (Jeremiah 10:21). There is a direct correlation between obedience to God's law and success. Be strong and very courageous. Be careful to obey all the law my servant Moses gave you do not turn from it to the right or to the left, that you may be successful wherever you go. (Joshua 1:7). Thus the Bible teaches us that God gives success to us when we are in an obedient relationship with Him.

Jesus’ Definition of Success

In the New Testament, Jesus teaches us that success is not a matter of material wealth or prosperity but a matter of the eternal state of our souls. What good will it be for a man if he gains the whole world, yet forfeits his soul? Or what can a man give in exchange for his soul? (Matthew 16:26). A parable in Luke illustrates His view of success.

And he told them this parable: The ground of a certain rich man produced a good crop. He thought to himself, 'What shall I do? I have no place to store my crops.' "Then he said, 'This is what I'll do. I will tear down my barns and build bigger ones, and there I will store all my grain and my goods. And I'll say to myself, "You have plenty of good things laid up for many years. Take life easy; eat, drink and be merry." "But God said to him, 'You fool! This very night your life will be demanded from you. Then who will get what you have prepared for yourself?' "This is how it will be with anyone who stores up things for himself but is not rich toward God. (Luke 12:16-21).

In fact in his reply to the rich young ruler, Jesus considered wealth to be a potential hindrance to the achievement of true success; "If you want to be perfect, go, sell your possessions and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me." When the young man heard this, he went away sad, because he had great wealth. Then Jesus said to his disciples, "I tell you the truth, it is hard for a rich man to enter the kingdom of heaven. Again I tell you, it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to enter the kingdom of God." (Matthew 19:21-24).

Jesus warned his followers about the pursuit of wealth, purely for the sake of material possessions. Then he said to them, Watch out! Be on your guard against all kinds of greed; a man's life does not consist in the abundance of his possessions. (Luke 12:15). The goal of our effort is not material success but eternal success. Do not work for food that spoils, but for food that endures to eternal life, which the Son of Man will give you. (John 6:27a)

For Jesus the measure of true success was an eternal relationship with God, Now this is eternal life: that they may know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom you have sent. (John 17:3) and anything that hindered that relationship must be put as a lower priority. If anyone comes to me and does not hate his father and mother, his wife and children, his brothers and sisters--yes, even his own life--he cannot be my disciple. (Luke 14:26) Jesus is not suggesting that we emotionally hate other people. He is saying though that our relationship with God should be so much greater than with others that in comparison we seem to be "hating" other relationships.

Again, Jesus' contrasts success in this life with that of eternal life. The man who loves his life will lose it, while the man who hates his life in this world will keep it for eternal life. (John 12:25). So Jesus wants his disciples to seek true success rather than worldly success.

Eternal Life: The True Measure of Success

Thus, in answer to the first question, "What is the true measure of success?", the Bible teaches us that relationship to God is the true measure of success. Certainly, God grants prosperity to the one who is obedient to Him, but Jesus makes it abundantly clear that the prosperity is not the measure of success. Jesus' definition of success is eternal life.

The contrast between the world's measure of success and Jesus' measure of success is a contrast between what the world thinks is most important and what Christ views as most important. The world values money and things as important, Christ values God and people as important.

There is also the contrast between the world’s method of success and that of Christ. The world believes that to succeed you have to cheat. For example, consider a quote by a sportswriter in the Baseball Anthology, Diamonds are Forever: "I am quite sure that statistics will show that the greatest number of successes have been scored by those who have led moderately dirty lives."⁵ Whereas, Christ calls us to faithful obedience in love. (John 14:15)

It is imperative, therefore, that Christian business people carefully think through an make wise choices (SAKAL) in the pursuit of material success (TSALACH) so that in the end they do not lose out on true success. (ETERNAL LIFE).

Attaining True Success

In answering the second question "How do we attain that measure in our life?" let us look to Jesus' answer to the Teacher of the Law. On one occasion an expert in the law stood up to test Jesus. "Teacher," he asked, "what must I do to inherit eternal life?" "What is written in the Law?" he replied. "How do you read it?" He answered: "'Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength and with all your mind' and, 'Love your neighbour as yourself.' " "You have answered correctly," Jesus replied. "Do this and you will live." (Luke 10:25-28). Again, the emphasis is placed upon a loving relationship with God and with others as the way to achieve success or eternal life. That relationship can only be attained by receiving Jesus Christ into our lives as Saviour and as Lord. For those people who have done this they are walking in relationship, but for those people who have yet to believe they are without God and without hope of true success in this life or the one beyond. The Bible says: Whoever believes in the Son has eternal life, but whoever rejects the Son will not see life, for God's wrath remains on him. (John 3:36).

Cornerstone Principles for True Success

A cornerstone is the most important stone in the foundation of any building. It sets the orientation and the direction for the rest of the foundation and structure of the building. The faces of a cornerstone must be straight and true. The other stones of the foundation and of the walls will be aligned with the cornerstone to give the building structural strength, unity and direction.

So it is in life. Each one of us needs a sure foundation upon which to build our lives. For in Scripture it says: See, I lay a stone in Zion, a chosen and precious cornerstone, and the one who trusts in him will never be put to shame. (1 Peter 2:6). Especially in business, Christians need direction, unity and strength of faith to build godly character and to attain to the measure of true success in their lives.

The Bible teaches us that: ...these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love. (1 Corinthians 13:13). For us to build our lives we must build it with that which will last. Worldly success; material things; power and influence; reputation and all that is viewed as success on earth will not last into eternity. What will last is that which is done in faith, hope and love, especially that which is done in love. Thus three cornerstone principles for true lasting success are:

1. Love God with all your heart, soul, strength and mind.

Why? Because He is worthy of all of our love. The Bible says that He is altogether lovely. (Song of Solomon 5:16). Because He created us to love Him. And because He commands us to love Him. Love the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength. (Deuteronomy 6:5). An eternal love relationship with God is the first measure of true success.

2. Love your neighbour as you love yourself.

The second measure of true success is an unconditional love commitment to others. If we truly love God we will love others because that is what will most please Him. Just as we care for and meet our own needs so we should care for and work to meet the needs of others. Do not seek revenge or bear a grudge against one of your people, but love your neighbour as yourself. I am the Lord. (Leviticus 19:3)

3. Love what you do and do it with all your heart.

As we love God and others we will discover meaning and purpose in our work or business activity that is beyond the mundane. We will know why God has us where we are and doing what we are doing. Discovering the purpose of our lives will free us to love what it is we do and therefore, to do it with all of our heart. Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men, (Colossians 3:23).

Summary: A Call to Radical Discipleship in Business

Jesus Christ is the embodiment of these cornerstone principles for true success. He is the Chief Cornerstone. But the Lord God says, "See, I am placing a Foundation Stone in Zion--a firm, tested, precious Cornerstone that is safe to build on. He who believes need never run away again. (Isaiah 28:16 TLB)

He calls us to follow Him in radical commitment. These pages present a call to all Christian business people to make that radical commitment and build their lives and their businesses on a sure foundation for true success: an eternal relationship with the living God through His Son the Lord Jesus Christ.

NOTES:

1. Anderson, Lorna and Lobley, Derek. Success in Commerce, Zimbabwe Edition. Harare, ZM: Academic Books, 1992.

2. Maul, Lyle and Mayfield, Dianne. The Entrepreneurs Road Map to Business Success. Alexandria, VA.: Saxtons River Publications, 1990.

3. The Wordbook of the Old Testament. Vol. 2, page 877.

4. W. O. McGeehan, quoted by W.P. Kinsella in Diamonds Are Forever edited by Peter H. Gordon (1987).

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